Business model comparison of slum-based PV to realize low-cost and flexible power generation in city-level.

• Low-cost and flexible photovoltaic power generation for urban slums was realized. • Three business models, namely slums, high-rise buildings, and energy service providers, analysed. • Different loads of various buildings and overall power generation potential in city-level analysed. • 11 typical building groups with slums and high-rise buildings selected for evaluating business model. • Most suitable solutions obtained considering energy policy impact and flexible electricity price. Photovoltaics (PVs) have become an essential part of the energy transition in recent years, and decision-makers have gradually entered the era of PV markets without subsidies. Consequently, the importance of PV policy and business models has been further demonstrated. However, in the case of rooftop PVs in urban areas, most PV promotion policies only focus on formal areas, whereas there is a lack of suitable policies directly applicable to slums with informal built environments. This study focused on a method for realizing low-cost and flexible PV power generation for urban slums with competitive business models. First, an analysis of rooftop PV in slums revealed three business models as dominant including slums, high-rise buildings, governments, power systems, and energy service providers. Afterward, considering Shenzhen as a case study, different loads of various buildings were provided, and the overall power generation potential at the city level was analyzed. Subsequently, 11 typical building groups were selected to evaluate the business model profits. Consequently, considering the construction rate caused by the energy policy of PVs, the most suitable solutions for different types of areas and various construction-rate combinations were discussed. Thus, this study argued that our novel analysis could serve as a powerful tool for policymakers to plan the future development of sustainable cities and alleviate poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]